EcoHydroShield: Autonomous Climate-Adaptive System for Wildfire Prevention in Protected Ecological Areas

Duration

2 years

Lead institutions

KU Leuven

Escuela Politécnica Nacional

Academic partners

Juan Carlos Almachi Nacimba

Project status

Ongoing

Programme

Total budget

69996.3

Summary

Forest fires threaten biodiversity, ecosystems, and communities, worsened by climate change and poor land management. In Ecuador, over 5,000 fires in 2024 caused severe damage, underscoring the need for mitigation. EcoHydroShield integrates drones, AI, and autonomous water dispersion to reduce fire risk in protected areas like Pifo, Chilibulo, and El Quinche.

Aligned with SDGs 13 and 15, the project applies climate-adaptive technologies and engages local communities. In collaboration with KU Leuven, it merges Ecuador’s expertise in high-mountain drone applications with Belgium’s AI and climate monitoring knowledge.

Outcomes include validated data for policymakers, community training, and a scalable fire prevention framework. EcoHydroShield fosters local empowerment and strengthens institutional capacities, creating a replicable model for climate resilience and ecosystem sustainability in Ecuador and beyond.